The Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, has paid a courtesy visit to Naa Bohagu Mahama Abdulai Sheriga, King of the Mamprugu Traditional Council, as part of his ongoing regional tour aimed at deepening climate action and promoting sustainable development at the local level.

The visit formed part of the Minister’s engagements with key stakeholders as the government moves to establish Climate Change Units within Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.

The initiative is intended to strengthen the capacity of local government structures to effectively coordinate climate-related programmes, respond to the growing impacts of climate change and mainstream climate considerations into local development planning.

During the visit, Seidu Issifu sought the blessings, guidance and support of the King of the Mamprugu Traditional Council and the traditional authority for the successful implementation of the climate change initiative.

He emphasised that the fight against climate change could not be left to government institutions alone, stressing the need for a collaborative approach involving traditional authorities, local government structures, communities, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

The Minister noted that traditional leaders remain important partners in Ghana’s development efforts due to their close connection with local communities and their influence in mobilising people towards collective action.

He therefore called for stronger collaboration between traditional authorities and the newly established Climate Change Units to ensure that climate policies and interventions were effectively translated into practical actions at the community level.

Seidu Issifu further highlighted the need for communities to become more resilient to the effects of climate change, including erratic rainfall patterns, drought, flooding, land degradation and other environmental challenges that continue to affect livelihoods and sustainable development.

He explained that the establishment of Climate Change Units at the MMDA level would provide a structured mechanism for identifying local climate vulnerabilities, coordinating adaptation and mitigation measures, promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring that communities were better prepared to respond to climate-related risks.

The Minister expressed appreciation to Naa Bohagu Mahama Abdulai Sheriga for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage with the traditional authority on the government’s climate change and sustainability agenda.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional leaders and other stakeholders to build climate-resilient communities and advance sustainable development across the country.

The courtesy visit also underscored the important role of traditional leadership in supporting national efforts to address climate change.

Through their leadership and influence at the grassroots level, traditional authorities are expected to play a critical role in promoting environmental stewardship, encouraging sustainable land-use practices and mobilising communities to participate actively in climate action.

The engagement with the Paramount Chief forms part of a broader series of stakeholder engagements being undertaken by the Minister during his regional tour to strengthen collaboration and build support for the establishment and effective functioning of Climate Change Units in MMDAs.

The initiative is expected to bring climate governance closer to communities and enhance Ghana’s capacity to implement climate policies and programmes in a coordinated, inclusive and sustainable manner.